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Topic Review (Newest First)

03-18-2013 11:50 AM

sailordave

Re: My new mast step

Yep, RigRite to the rescue. Although their prices for other boat jewelry are kinda steep.

03-18-2013 11:33 AM

Alex W

Re: My new mast step

It looks like an Isomat step. $369 is a lot better than unavailable...since RigRite bought out all of the IsoMat parts I'd be happier to pay them for a replacement then to try and have to find a used one.

When reinstalling don't forget to keep the water drain hole cleared. I had to drop my mast last winter just to clear the drain hole because a previous owner used way too much sealant when reinstalling the mast. It's a lot nicer not finding a puddle of water on my dining table after a hard rain.

03-18-2013 11:18 AM

sailordave

Re: My new mast step

Haven't put it back in yet. Had to fit it to the mast, drill a pilot hole, then bring it home to drill out and tap the retaining bolt holes.
And YES, I'm a big fan of TEFGEL!

No idea why it cracked other than it was 23 years old and probably took a hard hit or two over time.

03-18-2013 10:31 AM

Captainmeme

Re: My new mast step

$369 f 'ing dollars???? Whats it made of gold, silver or depleted uranium?
Did you coat the bolt threads ?

Also have you determined why it cracked? Could be the mounting surface is not flat.

03-18-2013 10:25 AM

sailordave

My new mast step

So after my first season of sailing my newest boat I pulled the mast so I could thoroughly check things over, replace sheaves, put an LED Tricolor/anchor light on, inspect chainplates etc.
One thing that caught my eye was what appeared to be a hairline crack in the maststep. Dusting off the crud and looking further I found THIS.

As you can see, it would have been hard to detect w/ the mast in place.

Here is another shot; the crack is just visible at the top of the photo. You can see the deteriorating grounding strap.

Getting the old step out was pretty easy. 4 Lag bolts that didn't want to budge until I hit them w/ a bit of propane torch, gave em a big smack w/ a BFH on a piece of brass bar to keep from deforming the head and then a socket on an 18" bar. No fuss, no muss. Didn't even take 10 min.

So, I ordered up a new mast step ($369 thank you very much) and tapped it for the grounding strap and also so I could install two 5/16" Machine bolts to hold the mast in (Offshore racing requirement) and also made up a new grounding strap. (Crimped and heat shrinked OF COURSE!)